Texas wildfire survivors receive nearly $26 million in assistance
Texas wildfire survivors receive nearly $26 million in assistance
09 November 2011
published by www.kvue.com
USA — Two months after wildfires ravaged Central Texas, nearly $26 million has been given to help the survivors.
Recovery officials said Wednesday that of the total, nearly $11.8 million will be used for state and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recovery grants. Officials say those grants will give $9.5 million in rental assistance and grants to repair and build homes lost in the fires. Another $2.2 million will be used for other disaster-related needs like person items, medical care and funerals.
Officials said Wednesday that more than $43,000 in Disaster Unemployment Assistance has gone to workers or the self-employed who lost their jobs. Those who cannot work because of the fires will also benefit from that money. More than $14.1 million in low-interest disaster loans was approved for 125 homeowners, renters and businesses by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
“Wildfire survivors are taking the first steps toward rebuilding and repairing their homes and their communities,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin Hannes. “There is more work to be done, but the state and federal assistance is helping Texans move forward with their recovery.”
Eligible applicants in 31 Texas counties can apply for FEMA’s Public Assistance reimbursements, which total $987,434. They’ll cover the cost of removing debris and help repair infrastructure damaged by the fires.
More than 3,900 wildfire survivors have registered with FEMA since the disaster declaration. The registration deadline is Dec. 8. If you need assistance, you can sign up here.
